In the medical technology sector, precision, traceability, and regulatory compliance are critical factors for business success. A German manufacturer of ventilators faced a challenge precisely in this area: its existing requirements management tool could no longer meet the growing demands for structure, documentation, and test management. Users complained about a lack of clarity, missing workflows, and a multitude of features that were more confusing than helpful. In addition, essential features such as variant management, version control, commenting functions, and professional test management were missing. The result: inefficient work, high coordination effort, and low acceptance within the team.The goal was clear: to find a modern, intuitive requirements tool that improves workflows and completely replaces the previous system.
To put this decision on a solid footing, we launched a structured evaluation project together with the client. The excellent collaboration was evident right from the kick-off—the team provided all necessary information, actively contributed, and jointly defined the key requirements for the new tool during a workshop.
Based on this input, we developed a detailed criteria catalog that not only addressed the obvious pain points but also took future requirements into account, such as in the areas of reusability, test management, and change tracking. Questionnaires, clear evaluation structures, and hands-on sessions with demo versions enabled an objective comparison of various tools. A total of eight tools were systematically reviewed and compared.
Despite a tight budget and a tight schedule, we succeeded in creating a solid basis for decision-making within a short period of time. Our final evaluation recommended two tools that not only met the functional requirements but also offered significantly greater user-friendliness. These tools were compiled into a decision-making framework and ultimately presented to the development department.
The result: The client gained clarity, efficiency, and a decision-making framework that delivers real added value. The time-consuming search for a solution was completely taken off the company’s hands—while simultaneously ensuring that only those systems that are a long-term fit for the company and are regulatory-compliant made it onto the shortlist.
Feedback from the project aptly summarizes the added value:
“It really helped us.”
